Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Recording!

Recording is less stressful than performing in front of people -- in some ways. You can always do it over. But in other ways, it's more stressful because once done, it's there forever, especially if you post it on the Internet.

I've had this deadline for a year now, so cramming to learn this is completely my fault -- or, I should say, choice. From time to time over this past year, I took this piece out and looked at it; thought, "How will I ever learn this?"; and put it away again. When you play on an amateur basis and you're not in school or doing a concert this is how it goes unless you can set some sort of goal. That's why these online recitals have been a great thing for me (and all the other people who participate).

I've learned a few things about doing this. One is if you are your own engineer, just hit the record button and keep going. Don't stop unless there is a total train wreck. Sometimes the take ends up better than you would have thought when you were playing it.

Another is that it's better not to listen until after the recording session is over, if you have the time to wait. I like to do at least three takes, get away from the piano, and try to listen objectively. This is instead of hovering over the recording device in the practice room, the piano glaring at you in the background, injured notes littering the floor.

And third, listen critically but not too critically. Cut yourself some slack. It's not as bad as you think it is (or even if it is, at least you tried).

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Well-Tempered Clavier Project

I am on a quest to learn all 48 sets of preludes and fugues in Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, "learning" including memorizing. I thought it might be interesting to collect all of my Bach efforts in one place; see the list below. Clicking on the link will open the recording so you can listen to it.

The recordings are in reverse chronological order (oldest last). The earliest was recorded in 2006.

I am NOT implying that these are definitive interpretations! Rather, this is meant to document my development as an amateur pianist.

I have actually learned these others as well but never tried recording them; maybe someday I will go back and resurrect them:

WTC II/20 in A minor
WTC I/21 in B flat major
WTC I/1 in C major
WTC I/2 in C minor